What numbers are actually recyclable?

Understanding the seven plastic codes will make it easier to choose plastics and to know which plastics to recycle. In general, numbers 3, 6, and 7 are not recyclable plastics. While numbers 4 and 5 are recyclable, many municipalities have not started recycling that plastic and simply send it on to the landfill.

What grades of plastic can be recycled?

What Plastics Can be Recycled?

  • 1 – Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – water bottles and plastic trays.
  • 2 – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – milk cartoons and shampoo bottles.
  • 5 – Polypropylene (PP) – margarine tubs and ready-meal trays.

What recycling numbers mean?

This number is a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of. The recycling numbers are a uniform way of classifying the different types of plastic and it aids recyclers in the sorting process.

Can number 1 plastic be recycled?

1: PET or PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate) PET or PETE is what’s used to make bottles for soda, water and other drinks. It’s also used to make cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars and containers for other popular food items. PET/PETE products CAN be recycled.

How many times can you refill a plastic water bottle?

Health advocates advise against reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda, and juice bottles. 3 Such bottles may be safe for one-time use but reuse should be avoided.

What does the number in the triangle on plastic bottles mean?

Most people know the little triangle symbol at the bottom of plastic bottles means ‘recycle’ but what they don’t know is just because it has a triangle on the bottom, doesn’t always mean it can be recycled. The numbers indicate the grade of plastic and can also tell you about the safety and uses of that item.

How do you read plastic codes?

Plastics by the Numbers

  1. #1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
  2. #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
  3. #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  4. #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
  5. #5 – PP (Polypropylene)
  6. #6 – PS (Polystyrene)
  7. #7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)

What are the different plastic recycling numbers?

So, we enumerate the 7 different plastic recycling numbers: PETE or PET (#1) – the first of the plastic recycling numbers. It is abbreviated from Polyethylene Terephthalate, it is most commonly found in soda, water, and juice bottles. Additionally, it is also found in most food packaging. This type of plastic is often clear in colour.

What do the numbers on the recycling symbol mean?

The universal recycling symbol features three arrows that form a triangle, but it’s the plastic’s number that makes a difference as to whether or not the item can head to your recycle bin. What do the recycling numbers mean? No one’s born knowing what recycling numbers mean.

Which recycling numbers should you avoid?

The Bottom Line: Which Recycling Numbers to Avoid, Which are ‘Safest’. In the end, it’s really best to avoid using all plastics if you’re able. But at the very least: Avoid recycling symbols 3, 6, and 7. While Number 1 is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic.

Is plastic 4 recyclable?

Plastic #4 rests among the recycling symbols considered to be safe. This plastic is recycled into compost bins, paneling, trash can liners and cans, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes.